8 FOOD WASTE FACTS THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND

Hello, planners!

It’s hard to believe that half of January is already over!  How are you doing with your intentions you set this New Year?  We still have a few live “Goal Setting” webinars coming up in the next few weeks.  This webinar is designed to give you expert guidance on pinpointing your motivation, making solid goals, tracking your progress and celebrating your successes.  It’s not too late to register here! 

So today I’m sharing a little bit more about something we care about here at The Meal Planning Method.  An important piece of why we feel so passionate about meal planning is because of its ability to put money back in your bank account.  Seriously!  When you meal plan effectively, you’re able to buy what you need and spend less dollars at fast food joints.  And what you may not realize is that when you buy and use just what you need for meals and snacks each week, you also waste less food.  Here are 8 food waste facts that are gonna blow your mind... 

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According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics…

1. Approximately 40% of all food produced in the U.S. goes to waste.
2. The average American tosses around 300 pounds of food each year.
3. An American family of 4 throws out an average $1,484 worth of edible food a year.
4. Consumers throw away an estimated 15%-25% of all food purchased.
5. The primary food groups consumers waste are: seafood (33%), fruits and vegetables (28%), grains (27%), and milk (17%).
6. Wasted food is the single largest component of our landfills.
7. Bottled water is on average 300 times more expensive than tap water and it contributes to America’s use of over 50 billion plastic bottles yearly.
8. Composting diverts wasted food from landfill and uses it to enrich soil. Composting also helps reduce methane emissions from landfills.

WOW.  We are wasteful people.  But luckily there are many ways to help reduce your food waste at home.  As food waste fact #8 points out, composting can be a positive approach to dealing with your food waste.  I’ve always been intrigued by composting, but have never personally taken the leap due to my living situation.  Well I soon realized that was just an excuse.  Say hello to Compost Nashville, friends!
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​Compost Nashville is a weekly service that picks up your food waste to be composted elsewhere.  (Bonus!  Twice a year you receive compost to add to your garden!)

​The process is so simple…

• Step 1. Fill bucket with food waste.
• Step 2. Place bucket outside on pick-up day.
• Step 3. Repeat Step 1.

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​No hassle.  No mess.  AND I'm being good to mother earth :)  The compost gods have answered my prayers!  And they’re about to answer yours too.

Compost Nashville is generously offering a 2 week FREE trial to our fans!  Simply visit: compostnashville.org/two-week-trial

**NOTE: Compost Nashville may have limited service areas depending on your location.  And please note pick-up times vary. 

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Not located in Nashville?  No worries!  You can still start reducing your food waste today.  Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for simple steps to start saving money and mother earth. 

Happy composting! 

lindsey